EP2950289A1 - Device and system for domestic and building automation - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a control device (1) for controlling electrical devices, which is designed to be connected in the power supply circuit of a device to be controlled, and has an electronic circuit to turn on and off the power supply to this device and / or to set the power supply to desired values, wherein the electronic circuit of the control device (1) is configured to control the device based on programmable functions and / or in response to detectable events. The invention also relates to an operating device for controlling and / or configuring the control device, wherein the operating device has at least one sensor and at least one transmitter in order to be able to communicate wirelessly with the at least one control device. Finally, the invention relates to a control system for home and building automation, which has at least one control device and at least one operating device.

Description

The present invention relates generally to the field of home and building automation. House and building automation is understood to be devices and systems for monitoring, controlling and regulating various functions and equipment in homes, houses and buildings. The goal of home and building automation is generally to control various facilities and functional processes of a building automatically and / or on the basis of predetermined settings or measured values. Another goal of home and building automation is to centrally control and monitor various facilities and functions of a building. For this purpose, it is necessary that all sensors, controls and technical equipment in a building are networked together.

• bedarfs-, tageszeit- bzw. bewegungsabhängiges Schalten bzw. Dimmen von verschiedenen Beleuchtungseinrichtungen
• bedarfs-, tageszeit- bzw. bewegungsabhängiges Steuern von Heizungen, Lüftungsanlagen oder Klimaanlagen
• zeit- und bedarfsgerechte Steuerung von Verschattungseinrichtungen
• Erhöhung der Sicherheit durch Überwachung von Fenster- und Türkontakten sowie von Bewegungsmeldern, und durch Aktivieren von Alarmanlagen und Beleuchtungseinrichtungen
• Steuerung elektrischer Geräte des Alltags, wie Kaffeemaschinen, Fernsehgeräte, Lampen oder Radios sowie Simulation von Anwesenheit zur Erhöhung der Sicherheit

Below are some examples of facilities and functions that can be controlled or controlled with the help of home and building automation:

• On-demand, daytime or motion-dependent switching or dimming of different lighting devices
• On-demand, daytime or movement-dependent control of heaters, ventilation systems or air conditioning systems
• Timely and needs-based control of shading devices
• Increased safety by monitoring window and door contacts as well as motion detectors, and by activating alarm systems and lighting equipment
• Control of everyday electrical appliances, such as coffee makers, televisions, lamps or radios, as well as simulation of presence to increase safety

In recent years, there has also been a clear trend towards home and building automation in the private sector. A major obstacle, especially with regard to the automation of apartments (especially rental apartments) is the currently very high purchase and installation costs. Although the high costs of home automation can be partially amortized by saving electricity and heating oil, yet many homeowners and especially tenants of apartments shy away from installing a home automation system. In many cases, extensive work is required to install the sensors, the control devices, and the required networking (bus systems). In other cases, a home and building automation is not possible because of the required wiring walls and ceilings must be torn, but this requires the consent of the landlord.

In the case of a high complexity of home and building automation, qualified personnel are required for the installation and operation of home and building automation, which also leads to increased costs. In addition, there is a high dependence on the installer or manufacturer of the automation systems. Furthermore, a subsequent expansion of the automation systems is usually very expensive and must always be done by the responsible installer. Another disadvantage is the susceptibility to failure due to hardware or software errors. In an automation system with a central controller, this can often lead to a failure of the entire system.

Known are simple possibilities for modular automation of parts of home and building technology. For example, timers are known to control lamps or air conditioning time dependent. In addition, the use of motion detectors for controlling individual lighting devices is known. Finally, there are radio-controlled sockets that can be controlled, for example, with the remote control of a television to to turn individual lamps on and off. Although this modular home automation requires no complex installation work, since essentially no wiring is required. However, for each of the above applications a specific and individual control device is required, which are mostly incompatible with other control devices. Thus, the user often needs several different control devices to control various devices and installations (consumers), such as lighting fixtures, air conditioners, electric fans and heaters, electric shutters, etc. Another disadvantage of the known solutions is that each the various operating or control devices must be set and programmed in different ways. As a result, the operability of the known operating control devices becomes complicated and complicated. In addition, the known control and operating devices are usually very expensive.

The present invention is therefore based on the general object to provide a control device for controlling various devices and devices, associated operating devices and a constructed from these components control system for home and building automation available, for universal use for the control and regulation of facilities and Facilities in buildings, houses and apartments is set up. It is a particular object of the invention to provide a universally applicable control device for controlling these various devices and devices. It is a further object of the invention to provide a control device, associated control or monitoring devices, associated sensor systems or actuators and a functionally coupling these components control system for home and building automation, to the above-mentioned disadvantages of the known home and building automation to overcome in a simple and inexpensive way.

To achieve these and other objects serve a control device having the features of claim 1, an operating device with the features of claim 11 and a control system for home and building automation with the features of claim 16. In the respective dependent claims are advantageous and preferred developments of Control device according to the invention, the control device according to the invention or the control system according to the invention specified. It should be noted that the control device, the operating device and the home and building automation control system of the present invention will be described in this specification generally by means of various embodiments. However, the concept underlying the present invention can also be applied to other devices, installations and functions to be controlled.

To achieve the above objects, a control device is provided as a basic component, which is provided in the power supply circuit of a device to be controlled or system (consumer). The control device is generally configured to turn on or off the power supply to a device to be controlled and / or to adjust the power supply to desired values, generally based on configurable functions or operating modes and / or in response to detectable events.

According to the present invention, there is provided a control device for controlling electrical devices, wherein the control device is configured to be switched into the power supply circuit of a device to be controlled, the control device having an electronic circuit for switching on or off the power supply to this device ., and / or to adjust the power supply to desired values, and the electronic circuitry of the control device is configured to power the device configurable or programmable functions or operating modes and / or to be able to control in response to detectable events. The control device has keys, switches and / or rotary control in order to be able to configure or program the control device. Alternatively or additionally, the control device has means for configuring or programming the control device wirelessly and / or by wire using an external operating device. In addition, the control device may include means for wirelessly communicating with various sensor systems or controls. Finally, the controller may include internal sensors, timers, or actuators necessary to implement the configured function.

Preferably, the control device includes at least one receiver or at least one transceiver coupled to the electronic circuit for wireless communication with various external sensor systems.

Preferably, the at least one receiver or the at least one transceiver operates on the basis of radio (RF), infrared or Bluetooth. For example, the at least one receiver or the at least one transceiver operates on the basis of various technologies and transmission protocols, such as free ISM frequency bands, in particular 433 MHz, 886 MHz and / or 2.4 GHz, or KNX, WLAN, 433 MHz, 886 MHz, Z-Wave, and / or ZigBee wireless standards.

Preferably, the control device comprises a plurality of different transmitters or transceivers which operate on the basis of different radio technologies in order to be able to communicate wirelessly with different sensor systems.

Preferably, the control device is configured as an intermediate socket or as a power strip that can be connected between a power supply (e.g., wall socket) and the plug of the electrical device.

Preferably, the controller may perform various functions based on signals received from an external sensor and depending on the configured mode of operation.

Preferably, the control device is configured to connect a plurality of different types of electrical devices, wherein the control device is also configured to be configured or programmed according to the various connected devices.

Preferably, the control device may be configured to connect to an air conditioning or heating system, to which the control device may receive and evaluate signals received from one or more sensors, the signals being selected from a group including signals representing the Specify a window or door handle, temperature and humidity values, with the air conditioning or heating controlled based on these signals.

For the purpose of configuring the control device, the control device preferably has, for example, at least one microswitch and / or at least one rotary control and / or at least one push-button switch and / or at least one LED and / or one LED or LCD display.

Preferably, the control device has a measuring device for measuring the energy consumption of the connected device, wherein the electrical circuit of the control device is configured to the average consumption and / or the current consumption of the facility.

The present invention further relates to an operating device for controlling and / or configuring or programming at least one control device as described above, wherein the operating device has at least one sensor and at least one transmitter or at least one transceiver to connect wirelessly with the at least to communicate with a control device.

Preferably, the operating device is a window or door handle, which is designed to, for example, depending on the position of the window or. Door handle and / or from the position of the window or the door to generate a signal and send to the control device to enable or disable the control device accordingly.

Preferably, the window or door handle has at least one sensor or electrical contacts for detecting the position of the handle and / or the position of the window or the door, at least one electronic circuit coupled to the at least one sensor or the contacts is to receive signals from the sensors or electrical contacts, as well as a coupled to the circuit transmitter to send depending on the handle position and / or the window position, a corresponding signal to the control device.

Preferably, the operating device has other sensors, such as sensors for detecting indoor / outdoor temperature, humidity and light intensity, sensors for detecting vibrations, such as occur in a break-in attempt, sensors for detecting the approach of a person.

The operating device preferably has, for example, keys, a touchscreen or a touchpad in order to be able to program the operating device. The operating device can also be configured to be programmed by means of a computer, a smartphone, a tablet PC or another operating unit, for example via a USB interface, via Bluetooth, via radio, via WLAN or via other radio standards, or via internal interfaces.

Finally, the present invention relates to a control system for home and building automation, which has at least one control device explained above and at least one operating device explained above.

The basic concept of the present invention is thus to provide a universal control device that can be easily configured. The configuration or programming of the control device can be done directly on the device via corresponding buttons, switches and knobs. Alternatively, the configuration or programming of the control device may be wireless and / or wired by means of an operating device. Preferably, the control device of the invention is configured to wirelessly communicate with various sensor systems. The control device may alternatively or additionally be equipped with internal sensors, timers or actuators necessary to implement the configurable functions or operating modes.

As explained above, the control device according to the invention can communicate wirelessly with different sensor systems, unidirectionally or bidirectionally. In addition, the control device may be configured to be wirelessly configured or programmed. For this purpose, the control device is preferably with a Receiver or alternatively equipped with a transceiver. In other words, the control device contains at least one receiver and / or at least one transmitter. The receivers or the transmitters can work on the basis of radio (RF), infrared, Bluetooth etc. However, other wireless receivers or transmitters which can work on the basis of various technologies and transmission protocols are also conceivable (examples are free ISM frequency bands, in particular 433 MHz, 886 MHz and / or 2.4 GHz, or KNX, WLAN, 433 MHz , 886 MHz, Z-Wave, and / or ZigBee wireless standards). In this way, the control device according to the invention of a separate control device, which is also provided with a transmitter and optionally with a receiver, wirelessly receive signals or send signals to this operating device. Similarly, the controller may wirelessly communicate with various sensor systems. Preferably, the control device includes a plurality of different transmitters or receivers that operate on the basis of different radio technologies. This makes it possible that the control device can be configured via various operating devices (WLAN or Bluetooth). It is also made possible that the control device can communicate on the basis of different radio technologies with different sensor systems or actuators (eg a multi-sensor window handle).

It should be noted that the term "operating device" as used herein means on the one hand a device for wireless or wired configuration or programming of the control device according to the invention (eg smartphone, laptop or tablet PC). On the other hand, the term "operating device" includes any type of device for controlling the control device according to the invention, such as sensors or actuators. In particular, this term refers to the sensor window handle or sensor door handle described here, which is equipped with various sensors that are wirelessly connected to the control device can be transmitted, wherein the control device can perform various functions based on the signals transmitted by the sensor handle and depending on the set operating mode.

In a preferred embodiment, the control device is an intermediate socket or a power strip, which can be connected, for example, between a wall socket and the plug of an electrical device or system (consumer). The electrical load may be, for example, an air conditioner which can be turned on and off by means of the control device. The control device can be controlled, for example, wirelessly by means of an operating device, a sensor or an actuator. This operating device can also be a commercially available remote control. In a preferred embodiment, the operating device can be realized by a window or door handle. This window or door handle can in this case be designed to send a corresponding signal depending on the position of the window or door handle in order to activate or deactivate the control device accordingly. For example, in the embodiment of the window or door handle, the operating device sends a signal to turn off the control device when the handle is in an open or tilted position. In this way, the air conditioner can be turned off when the window is opened or tilted.

A window or door handle which is designed to detect the handle position, for example, from DE 10 2011 013 730 A1 known. According to the present invention, such a window or door handle (hereinafter only "window handle") is designed to detect the position of the handle. For this purpose, the handle has corresponding sensors or electrical contacts, by means of which it is determined whether the handle is in an open position (ie the window is open), a tilting position (ie the window is in a tilted position) or in a closed position (ie the window is closed) located. The handle further includes an electronic circuit coupled to the sensors or contacts and to a transmitter. As explained above, the transmitter is preferably a radio transmitter (RF, Bluetooth, WLAN, etc.), which sends a corresponding signal depending on the handle position. In other words, when the handle is in the open position, the transmitter sends an open signal when the handle is in the tilt position, the transmitter sends a tilt signal, and when the handle is in the closed position Position, the transmitter sends a closed signal.

The preferably realized as a window or door handle operating device may be equipped with other sensors, such as sensors for detecting indoor / outdoor temperature, humidity and light intensity. Furthermore, vibrations, such as occur in a burglary attempt, or the approach of a person can be detected by means of appropriate sensors. These signals can also be transmitted to the control device.

Preferably, the control unit can be programmed. This programming can be done in various ways, such as via buttons, a touch screen or touchpad, or by means of a computer, a smartphone, a tablet PC or other control unit. The programming can take place here via a USB interface, via Bluetooth, via internal interfaces, via WLAN or via other radio standards, as explained above. In this way, the operating device realized, for example, as a window handle can be programmed to activate or deactivate certain sensors of the window handle or to assign a desired function to the keys provided on the handle. The activation or deactivation can be time-dependent. For example, the sensor for detecting a break-in attempt can be programmed to be activated only at night or at the weekend.

As already described, in one embodiment of the invention the control device is provided with a radio receiver which is designed to receive the signals transmitted by the radio transmitter, for example the window handle (operating device). In one embodiment, the control device is configured to receive the power supply to a consumer connected to the control device (for example, an air conditioning system, an electric heater, an electric heating fan) upon receipt of the tilt signal or the open signal from the radio transmitter of the window handle to interrupt and to turn on the consumer upon receipt of the closed signal. In this way, the operation of the air conditioner or the heater can be effectively controlled to turn off the air conditioner or the heater whenever the window or the door (e.g., balcony door) is opened or tilted. It is further preferred that the control device is configured to receive the signals from a plurality of windows or doors (i.e., from the radio transmitters of the handles). Preferably, the control device is configured to turn off a connected load (i.e., air conditioning or heating) whenever a door is opened, and only to turn it back on when all the windows or doors are closed.

The window handle or sensor unit described above may also be provided with a temperature sensor. This temperature sensor is also coupled to the electronic circuit of the window handle, wherein the electronic circuit is adapted to generate depending on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor corresponding temperature signals sent by the transmitter of the window handle and the sensor unit and the receiver of the control device be received. In this way, another condition for turning on or off the air conditioning or heating can be set by either the electronic circuit of the window handle or the electronic circuit the control device is programmed accordingly (ie setting a temperature upper limit or a lower temperature limit).

According to the invention, other criteria for switching on and off the load connected to the control device in the control device can also be set or programmed, such as different times for switching on and off the air conditioning or heating or other device (eg a lamp, a TV , etc.) or a value for the humidity measured by a corresponding sensor.

The control device according to the invention is also suitable for connecting different types of consumers. For this it is necessary that the control device can be configured or programmed accordingly.

As explained above, the control device may be configured, for example, to connect an air conditioner. For this purpose, the control device evaluates, for example, the open signals or the closed and tilt signals, which are received by one or more window handles. The controller may also be configured to receive temperature signals and / or humidity readings from one or more window handles. Alternatively, the configuration of the control device may be changed so that an internal (ie as part of the control device) or modular retrofitted temperature sensor is used to generate the required temperature signals that are used to turn on and off an air conditioner or heater. It is obvious that the temperature limits of an air conditioner and a heater are evaluated differently. For example, falls below a temperature limit of 18 ° C when the control device for Connecting a heater is configured, used as an indicator for switching on the heater, whereas falling below this temperature limit when the control device is configured to connect an air conditioner is used as an indicator for switching off the air conditioning. In one possible embodiment, the control device can be equipped with rotary controls for setting temperature values, air humidity values and / or light intensity values.

It is quite different when the control device according to the invention is to be used to control the function of one or more lamps. There are several alternative applications in this base application. On the one hand, the control device can be configured to turn on or off lamps connected to the control device in a time-controlled manner. For example, this feature can be used in offices to turn off all lights at a specific time. Alternatively, the connected lamps may be randomly turned on and off to simulate the presence of occupants of a home or dwelling to deter intruders. In addition, the control device may be used as part of an alarm system. The previously discussed window handle may be provided with a vibration sensor coupled to the electronic circuitry of the window handle to generate a corresponding radio signal when the vibration sensor of the window handle detects excessive overshoot (eg, striking the window or prying open the window) indicates a break-in attempt, this alarm signal being sent by the transmitter of the window handle and received by the receiver of the control device. The received alarm signal is used by the control device to turn the connected lamps on or off in a fast rhythm. Of course, instead of the lamps, a siren can also be connected to the control device. In addition, the window handle can be a motion sensor have to detect moving people in a room and possibly to issue an alarm signal to the control device. To turn these functions on or off, the control device may have corresponding keys ("Alarm", "Motion").

As already explained, a light sensor of the window handle, a light sensor of the control device or a separate light sensor can be used to generate and send corresponding signals, which are received and processed by the control device depending on the detected light intensity, to the connected lamps depending on a value set via, for example, a rotary knob of the control device on and off.

As described above, the window handle may include a grip position detecting sensor, a temperature sensor, a light sensor, a proximity sensor, a motion sensor, and a humidity sensor. However, the window or door handle can also have other sensors. All sensors are connected to the electronic evaluation circuit of the handle, which evaluates the sensor signals and generates corresponding signals that can be sent via the radio transmitter and received by the control device.

However, the above-mentioned embodiments only represent exemplary functions and applications. Both the control device according to the invention and the window or door handle according to the invention can be configured for a large number of further applications.

As already explained, the control device according to the invention can be coupled via radio, WLAN, Bluetooth etc. with various sensors (eg temperature sensor, light sensor, proximity sensor, motion sensor or humidity sensor), which form part of the window handle are or can be designed as separate and individual sensors. The control device preferably contains a plurality of different receivers in order to be able to receive different signals (radio, WLAN, Bluetooth, etc.).

For example, the controller may be configured to place connected devices in a "standby mode". The criterion can be a specific time or time of non-use.

As explained above, the control device according to the invention is configured to be configured or programmed for various functions.

According to the present invention, the configuration of the control device may be made by means of a plurality of microswitches and / or one or more rotary encoders. Preferably, DIP switches or coding switches are used. These switches may be formed from a series of, for example, 5 or more slide switches. By setting a specific configuration of the switch positions, various configurations can be set. With a coding switch with 5 switches, 32 different configurations can be set. With the aid of the rotary control, temperatures, humidity values, times, light intensities etc. can be set. In addition, several LEDs or a small LED or LCD display can be provided to display the selected configuration numerically or alphanumerically. In addition, two or more push-buttons can be provided to set, for example, one or more temperature values, one or more times or other values, which are then displayed on the display. In a further embodiment, instead of the slide switch (or in addition to) several push-button switch may be provided by means of which in a simple manner Some basic configurations of the control device according to the invention can be activated or deactivated. The activation can then be indicated by LEDs provided adjacent to these buttons or integrated with these buttons. For example, a plurality of push-buttons can be provided on the control device in order to be able to configure an alarm function, a motion-detection function or a function dependent on the position of a window (open, closed or tilted). For example, knobs for adjusting the temperature, humidity or light intensity can be provided. In addition, a power switch and / or an off switch may be provided, the off switch may serve to temporarily disable the set configurations in order to use the implemented as a power outlet control device as a normal power outlet can. The configuration can be reactivated by pressing the off switch again. Alternatively, the activation can also take place automatically after a certain time has elapsed. Preferably, a pairing button is provided in order to "marry" one or more sensors or a window handles with the control device. Preferably, a reset button is provided to delete all coupled elements or settings.

Alternatively, the control device may be provided with a USB port. This USB port (other port formats can of course be used) allows the control device to be connected to a computer. The control device can then be programmed via suitable software. Of course, this is advantageous if the user wants to configure several control devices the same or different. In addition, less switching means are required on the control device itself in this case. Instead of a USB interface, the control device of the present invention can also be configured wirelessly via Bluetooth or another wireless format (eg WLAN). For this purpose, however, it is necessary that the control device has a corresponding receiver, which has already been mentioned in the beginning. The configuration of the control device can in this case be carried out in a simple manner with the aid of a smartphone or tablet PC and a corresponding "app" (user program). In this type of programming, no switches or knobs are required on the control device. Furthermore, no LEDs or displays must be provided. This embodiment is particularly useful when the control device is designed as a flush-mounted socket or when it is installed as a control module in a roller shutter box to control the motor of the shutter, or if it is behind the ceiling trim to control a ceiling lighting. If the control device of the present invention is equipped with radio, WLAN or Bluetooth (Bluetooth LE), the energy consumption can be measured by means of a corresponding measuring device provided in the control device (metering module) and transmitted via the transmitter to an external computer, smartphone or tablet computer. PC to be sent. In this way, the energy consumption of a device connected to the control device can be determined and viewed via the smartphone. If, for example, a control device designed as a socket contains such a metering module, then the average consumption in the past as well as the instantaneous consumption of a device connected to the control device can be determined and displayed, for example, via a smartphone (or tablet PC) communicating with the control device , It is also conceivable to forecast the expected energy demand in a given period of time. Also, a setting is possible in which the control device (socket) by a flashing LED signal or a beep to alert the user, if over a longer period of consumption is above the normal average. For example, an open fridge or an iced chest freezer can be detected. In order to be able to display the user a consumption statistics, a memory module (eg eMMC or SD card) can be installed in the control device.

It is preferred that the control device according to the invention is designed to be able to receive and process a plurality of different radio protocols, in order in this way to be able to communicate with various sensors which operate with different radio protocols. This increases the flexibility of the control device, since various types of sensors or operating devices can communicate with the control device.

Of course, the control device according to the invention can also have one or more radio transmitters (which operate with different radio protocols) in order to be able to communicate, for example, with different window handles (or other different sensors) which must have corresponding receivers. Bi-directional communication between the controller and the window handles may be advantageous to verify that the function of the radio connection between the window handles and the controller is functioning. In addition, two functions of the window handles can also be set via bidirectional communication. For example, the window handle of a particular window may be configured to enable or disable transmission of the handle position signals. In this way, it can be achieved, for example, that a particular window handle does not transmit any handle position signals, so that when the window is opened no switching on or off of the air conditioning or the heating takes place. Of course, the programming of the window handle can also be done via a suitable radio protocol using a computer, a smartphone or other operating device.

In summary, a basic module of the control device according to the invention includes a power supply, a microcontroller, a circuit breaker and a radio module. About connectors, the board of the control device with various controls for setting, configuration or programming of the device and / or with a Bluetooth module or another radio module. The electronics of the device is powered by a corresponding switching regulator directly from the 230V supply, preferably a galvanic isolation is provided. For easy connection of the sensors various radio protocols are provided, such as EnOcean, Z-Wave and ZigBee.

In a simple embodiment of the control device according to the invention, the device is designed, for example, as a socket with local operation, which contains a plurality of switches and knobs to activate / deactivate the desired function or to set the thresholds for switching the socket. For this purpose, for example, a button for activating / deactivating the reaction to an alarm signal, a button for activating / deactivating the response to a "window open" signal, a button for activating / deactivating the reaction to a "window tilted" signal, a Button for activating / deactivating the reaction to a motion detector signal, a knob for setting the threshold for responding to a temperature value, a knob for setting the threshold value for responding to a humidity value, and a dial for setting the threshold for responding to a humidity value Brightness value provided. In order to couple the wireless sensors to the socket, a pairing button is preferably provided. Preferably, a reset button is also provided to delete all coupled elements. Furthermore, a switch for determining the operating mode "normal off" or "normal on" may be provided. When set to Normal Off, the triggering event turns the power on and turns it off when the event ends. With the setting "normal on" the socket behaves in reverse, ie the triggering event switches off the socket which is otherwise switched on. For visual feedback to the user, one or more LEDs may be provided. An LED indicates, for example, the state of the socket (on / off). Another LED signals, for example, the states of the window handles linked via radio (LED green = all windows closed, yellow LED = at least one window tilted, red LED = at least one window open).

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electronics of the control device comprises a microcontroller with sufficient memory and processor power for the management of multiple sensors (more than 10 and preferably more than 50 sensors), a bootloader functionality for importing software updates via, for example, Bluetooth LE, interfaces for connection to radio modules (UART, SPI), interfaces for connection to a Bluetooth LE module (USRT, SPI), digital inputs for scanning the buttons and for controlling the LEDs, analog inputs for evaluating the rotary knob positions, a real-time clock (RTC) for realizing time functions, a circuit breaker for implementing the on / off function and the dimming function and a power supply unit. It is obvious that the control device may comprise further components.

In this simple version of the control device according to the invention in the exemplary embodiment of a socket, the socket can be switched on or off automatically at certain times or weekdays. Also, the activation of the socket can be linked by a sensor signal at certain times / days, so that ventilation is activated, for example, only between 08:00 clock and 20:00 clock if the detected by a corresponding sensor humidity is more than 60% ,

As already described above, the control device or the socket can be configured by smartphone, tablet PC, laptop or PC. For this purpose, a special app (application program) must be provided, with the help of which the configuration can be performed. This app is preferably designed to display all configurable outlets, which are within range of the smartphone. The displayed sockets can be switched on or off. In addition, a detected outlet can be selected and configured. To simplify the selection, each outlet found is provided with an associated name (socket 1, socket 2, floor lamp, fan heater, ...). After selecting a desired socket, the configuration of this socket can be made, ie functions, times, temperatures, etc. can be entered. The set configuration can be saved and transferred to other sockets.

According to the invention, it is also provided that the control device is realized not only in the form of an intermediate socket or a power strip, but in the form of a control module, which can be connected in the power cable of a device to be controlled. This solution may be advantageous, for example, for the control of roller shutters or other permanently installed shading devices. Also, the module solution may be advantageous if, for example, the ceiling lighting of an office or a fixed air conditioning system to be controlled.

In order to be able to control, for example, a roller shutter motor with the aid of the described control module, the control module is installed in the roller shutter box as close as possible to the engine and connected electrically between the power supply and the motor. The control module can be controlled by means of an associated window handle, for which purpose the module and the handle are equipped with corresponding transmitters or receivers, so that the window handle can communicate with the control module via radio. Preferably, the window handle is provided with a switch or with buttons, wherein the shutter motor can be switched on and off by pressing the buttons of the window handle. At the same time, the motor can be controlled to move the shutter up and down. The control module Of course, it can also be configured to control the motor on the basis of further sensor signals or based on set time values.

It is further preferred that the control device of the present invention has a "dimmer" (phase control or pulse width modulation). In this way, the power output of the devices or systems connected to the control device can be controlled or regulated. This can be advantageous, for example, with lamps or with a fan heater.

From the above explanations it follows that an extremely flexible and very universally applicable device for home and building automation can be provided by the control device or by the control module of the present invention. Together with the described door or window handle (or with other sensors), which communicates with the control device via a radio link, a modular control system for home and building automation is provided. This control system therefore comprises at least one control device and at least one operating device, which may for example have the configuration of the described window handle. With the aid of the control system according to the invention, a plurality of different electrical devices can be coupled to respective control devices or control modules. These control devices may in turn communicate with associated controls (eg, window handles) to control the respective control devices. From the above considerations, it can be seen that a window handle can communicate with multiple controllers and, at the same time, a controller can communicate with multiple window handles. Thus, the change of the grip position of a plurality of windows can be detected by a control device to control a connected air conditioner. Similarly, a window handle with multiple control devices communicate, for example, when detecting a break-in attempt at a window to activate the alarm function of multiple control devices. At the same time different sensor signals can be sent from a window handle, which are received and evaluated by a plurality of appropriately programmed control devices.

• Figur 1 zeigt eine Draufsicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Steuerungsvorrichtung, die durch einen Zwischenstecker realisiert ist,
• Figur 2 zeigt eine Seitenansicht des Zwischensteckers aus Figur 1,
• Figur 3 zeigt einen mit Sensoren und einem Funk-Sender ausgestatteten Fenstergriff, der ausgestaltet ist, um mit der Steuerungsvorrichtung aus Figuren 1 und 2 zu kommunizieren, und
• Figur 4 zeigt eine weitere Ansicht des Fenstergriffs aus Figur 3.

The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the figures.

• FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a control device according to the invention, which is realized by an intermediate connector,
• FIG. 2 shows a side view of the intermediate connector FIG. 1 .
• FIG. 3 shows a window handle equipped with sensors and a radio transmitter that is configured to interface with the controller Figures 1 and 2 to communicate, and
• FIG. 4 shows another view of the window handle FIG. 3 ,

With reference to Figures 1 and 2 An exemplary embodiment of the control device 1 according to the invention will now be described. As in Figures 1 and 2 illustrated, the control device 1 can be realized in the form of an intermediate connector. It was explained in the introduction that the control device 1 can also be realized by a power strip or by a control module. The control module can be integrated in an extension cable, for example.

In the Figures 1 and 2 shown control device 1 has a lower housing part 2, on which a lower connector part 3 is provided, which can be used in a conventional household socket (not shown). The

Control device further comprises an upper housing part 4, 5, which can be screwed to the lower housing part 2 or connected in any other way. The upper housing part 4, 5 may consist of two parts 4 and 5, but also be formed in one piece. In the first upper housing part 4, a conventional socket 6 is formed, in which a conventional plug of an electrical device (not shown) can be used. The second upper housing part 5 covers a sideways extending portion of the lower housing part 2 of the control device 1. In this laterally extending region of the electronics of the control device is housed. The switches 8 for configuring the control device and a display 9 (optional) are preferably provided on the second upper housing part 5. Furthermore, further push-buttons 10 may be provided for setting times, switching times, temperatures, humidity values, etc. Alternatively, rotary encoders can be provided instead. Preferably, on a side wall of the housing, a USB port (also optional) is provided. As explained above, the programming or configuration of the control device can be made entirely by means of a computer via the USB interface. In this case, the switches, the keys or the dials and also the display would not necessarily be required and can be omitted to reduce the manufacturing cost of the control device. In a further possible embodiment of the control device, the programming or configuration of the control device can also be wireless, for example via Bluetooth and with the aid of a computer or a smartphone. In such a case, no USB connection would be required. Furthermore, it would be possible to perform programming or configuring via the plug contacts 7 of the plug part 3. In this case, the plug contacts are connected to a computer via a suitable adapter. The required data is then read and written serially. The corresponding data protocols are known in the art.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the user with the help of the switch 8 (DIP switch or coding switch) set a specific combination of switch positions, which can be found in the operating instructions of the control device. For example, by a first combination of switch positions, the user can activate a standby mode in which, after a certain period of non-use of a device (e.g., TV), power to that device is interrupted. Only after a restart of the device or after pressing one of the keys 10, the power supply is enabled again. By a second combination, for example, a simulation mode can be set, in which a connected lamp or radio is switched on and off at random. A third combination can be used to activate a time-shift mode in which a connected device is switched on and off at certain times. The setting of the time (s) is preferably carried out with the aid of the keys 10 and 9 of the display. By further combinations, for example, a twilight, heating or air conditioning mode can be activated to a lamp when exceeding or falling below a certain brightness - And is switched off (this, the control device includes a light sensor, not shown), or to a heating or air conditioning in case of exceeding or falling below certain temperatures, which are preferably set by means of the push button 10 and the display 9, on and off.

Further, an alarm mode may be configured to trigger an alarm upon detection of a break-in attempt (levering a window or hitting a window) or detecting a person in a room to be monitored. For this purpose, the control device is connected, for example, with a lamp or a siren, which is turned on in the event of an alarm.

In the Figures 1 and 2 shown control device 1 but also by means of a remote control (not shown) programmed, configured and / or to be controlled. The programming, configuration and / or control of the control device 1 takes place here wirelessly via radio, Bluetooth, etc. The control device 1 has this purpose via a corresponding receiver, which is located inside the housing. So that the programming can be carried out even when the control device is not in the socket, the device also has a battery or rechargeable battery. With the help of the remote control all functions of the control device can be adjusted, which can also be done with the help of the buttons 8, 10 (or the rotary control) and the display. This remote control can be a conventional remote control for a TV.

As explained above, the configuration of the control device may also be via a USB interface or similar interface.

If the control device 1 is programmed in another possible configuration (by means of the buttons, a USB interface or via Bluetooth or WLAN), the control device can be wirelessly controlled via one or more other operating devices or sensors. These operating devices are preferably realized by the door or window handles described above. As already explained, in a house or building, either all or at least some windows and doors can be provided with the special window or door handles which have special properties. Examples of these handles are in the DE 10 2011 013 730 A1 disclosed. In particular, the window and door handles (hereinafter referred to simply as "window handles" for convenience) are configured to detect a change in handle position. For this purpose, the window handle has a rotatably connectable to the window olive housing, a relative to the olive housing rotatably mounted handle foliage (handle) and at least one electronic evaluation circuit for detecting the position of the handle leaf. The evaluation circuit contains at least one sensor, by means of which the position of the handle can be detected. The sensor can have different configurations that in the DE 10 2011 013 730 A1 are disclosed. It is particularly proposed that the sensor allows the determination of the grip position of the handle, that is, for example, the open position, the closed position and / or a tilt position. The known window handle is also provided with sensors to detect a destruction of the window and / or the door. The window handle may also have other components, such as an energy source (battery or rechargeable battery), an optical and / or acoustic output device (speaker, siren, display, lighting device, etc.), at least one input device (switches, buttons, touch screen, etc .) And at least one data communication device (receiver and / or transmitter).

In addition, the window handle may include other sensors, such as sensors for detecting other environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, light intensity, integrity of the structure of the window or the door and / or a glass breakage.

A possible configuration of the control device according to the invention, which can be made by the switches 8, 10 or via the USB interface or via Bluetooth or WLAN with the aid of a computer or smartphone, makes it possible to use an air conditioning or heating system with the aid of the control device and based on signals sent from the window handle described above. When the window handle is in the closed position, this position is detected by the position sensor of the handle, and with the aid of the evaluation circuit and a transmitter connected to it, a closed signal is sent from the window handle and from the control device, which is a corresponding Receiver has received. The electronic circuit of the control device, in this configuration, causes the power supply to the air conditioner coupled to the control device to be turned on. Now the handle is in the tilt or open position pivoted, this new position is detected by the sensor of the handle, and a corresponding tilting or open signal is sent to the control device, which causes a shutdown of the air conditioner due to the set configuration of the control device. This will prevent the air conditioner from working with a tilted or opened window. In this way, the energy costs for operating the air conditioning system can be considerably reduced. Preferably, all windows or exterior doors are provided with the described sensor handle. Theoretically, the air conditioning is always switched off when one of the windows or doors is opened or tilted. However, this makes in windows in the kitchen or bathroom in many cases no sense, as these windows are often opened and closed for ventilation. The sensor handles of these windows can be programmed to inhibit the emission of position signals. Alternatively, the controller may be programmed to ignore signals from these windows. For this, the control device is configured to communicate with each of the sensor handles. In this way, the function of sending position signals to desired handles can be disabled. Alternatively, the controller may be programmed to ignore the position signals sent by certain sensor handles.

In FIG. 3 a plan view of a window handle 11 is shown. The handle of the handle comprises a handle or gripping part in the form of a handle plate 12. The handle plate 12 is rotatably mounted relative to an olive housing 13, wherein through the olive housing a torque-proof connecting device connected in the form of a square plug pin 14 passes with the handle plate.

The olive housing includes holes 15, by means of the olive housing can be attached to a window frame, not shown.

The window handle comprises a monitoring device by means of which the locking state of the window and also the position of the handle leaf can be monitored. This monitoring device serves to generate an alarm in different operating states of the window handle or the window. For this purpose, the grip leaf has a recess 16, in which an output device in the form of a loudspeaker 17 is arranged. The speaker is over in FIG. 3 Wire connection, not shown, electrically connected to a printed circuit board 18. On the circuit board, a sensor is arranged, with which both the state of movement and the position of the window handle can be monitored.

In FIG. 3 it can be seen in particular that the circuit board 18 is arranged radially symmetrically within the olive housing and secure against rotation around the square plug pin.

Out FIG. 4 It can be seen that two energy stores are arranged in the form of batteries 19 within a recess 20 which is formed in the handle. It is also conceivable that also the sensor is located in this recess.

In particular, a sensor in the form of a 3D sensor (for example a HNC 5843 sensor from Honeywell) is arranged on the printed circuit board 18. The sensor makes it possible, in particular based on terrestrial magnetic field lines, to determine an exact position and orientation of the sensor and thus of the printed circuit board in space. The printed circuit board has a substantially rotationally symmetrical outer contour. In the middle of the circuit board, an opening is formed, which makes it possible to put the circuit board on the square plug pin. The sensor can also be provided in the handlebar itself.

Within the olive housing locking means are provided which engage in three positions of the square pin, in particular in a locking position in which actuated via the square pin locking device of the window causes a locking of the window to a frame, an unlocking position, in the the locking of the window is released on the frame, in particular to allow pivoting of the window about a vertical axis from a closed to an open position, and a Teilentriegelungs position in which the window is unlocked such that a limited rotation or tilting of the window around a horizontal axis from a closed position to a tilt position is made possible. Other detent positions are conceivable.

As explained above, the window handle has a radio transmitter to send signals to the control device. These signals indicate, for example, the position of the window or grip handle. The window handle may, as described above, have a plurality of additional sensors, wherein the corresponding sensor signals are also transmitted by the radio transmitter to the control device.

By the above-described combination of a window handle or other sensor, which is provided with a radio transmitter, and the control device, a control system is provided by means of which the home and building automation can be substantially simplified.

From the above considerations it is clear that the control system according to the invention provides a simple and above all cost-effective solution for home and building automation. In a basic solution, the user needs a control device and an operating device in the design of a window or door handle (in short: sensor handle). This sensor handle is mounted on a window frame instead of a conventional handle. Then batteries are put into the handle, and the olive housing is finally assembled. During or after assembly, the sensor handle can be configured to set a desired function or functions of the window handle. For example, one or more sensors of the sensor handle can be activated or deactivated. However, only one basic configuration can be made, in which all sensors of the sensor handle are active or only the sensors are active, which are determined by a predetermined basic configuration, which is programmed in the sensor handle. For example, in one example configuration, the sensors for determining the position of the handle or the position of the window frame are active. In addition, a sensor for detecting vibrations or sensors for measuring the temperature and / or the humidity may be active. These sensors acquire their respective measured values and supply these values to the electronic circuit of the sensor handle, which evaluates these signals and converts them accordingly, in order to then be transmitted by means of one or more transmitters. As described, several different transmitters can be provided. The signals can also be sent via only one transmitter. Suitable protocols for transmitting various signals using only one transmitter are known in the art.

The sensor handle may have suitable output devices, such as a speaker or an LED. When certain measured values are reached, undershot or exceeded, an acoustic and / or optical signal can be output. For example, such a signal may indicate a critical temperature or humidity reading to alert the user to close the window, for example. Alternatively, a break-in attempt may be displayed if the vibration sensor detects a critical value.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, the control device according to the invention is used in addition to the sensor handle. The user can freely program this controller, as explained in detail above. For example, if the control device is to be used as part of an alarm system, the control device is programmed so that the power supply to a lamp or siren connected to the control device is only "turned on" when the vibration sensor detects a critical signal sent from the sensor handle and from the control device is received.

The receiver or receivers of the control device have been explained in detail above.

In another embodiment, the control device may be configured as a controller for an air conditioner, a fan or a heater. If the sensor handle detects that the window is being opened or tilted, then that event is detected by the corresponding sensor (s) of the sensor handle, and a corresponding signal is sent to the controller. The control device receives this signal and, for example, turns off the power supply to the air conditioner connected to the control device when the opening or tilting of the window is detected. In addition to the signal of the handle position but also the signal of a temperature sensor of the sensor handle can be evaluated so that, for example, the air conditioner is turned on when a certain temperature is exceeded, if the window is detected as closed. Further configuration examples have been explained above.

The control device can be configured as a power strip or as a multiple socket. In this way, each outlet can be configured individually. For example, a socket for connection an air conditioner can be configured, and another outlet can be configured to connect a lamp or siren to realize the alarm function. Of course, all sockets can be configured identically.

It is crucial that to realize a system for home and building automation only a sensor handle and only one control device are required. This simple system can be expanded as desired using identical control device and / or sensor handles (operating devices). Thus, several sensor handles can be used to control an air conditioner via the signals from multiple window handles. At the same time, using multiple control devices, various devices and devices can be controlled by the signals from one or more sensor handles or signals received from other sensors.

In this way, the control system can be expanded as desired by using identical sensor handles and control devices that can be user-configured. With the help of several sensor handles and control devices, a complete system for home and building automation can be realized, which until now has only been achievable through complex, expensive and less flexible systems.

Another significant advantage of the control system according to the invention is that in case of failure of a component of the system does not equal the entire system fails - as in known systems. For example, if a control device is defective, it can simply be replaced with another intact device, which only needs to be configured accordingly.

Claims (16)

Control device (1) for controlling electrical devices,
wherein the control device (1) is designed to be switched into the power supply circuit of a device to be controlled,
wherein the control device (1) has an electronic circuit for switching the power supply to this device on and / or to set the power supply to desired values,
the electronic circuit of the control device (1) being designed to be able to control the device on the basis of configurable or operating modes and / or in response to detectable events,
wherein the control device (1) has keys, switches and / or knobs to configure the control device and / or wherein the control device (1) comprises means for wirelessly and / or wired the control device (1) by means of a to configure or program an external operating device,
wherein the control device (1) comprises means for wireless communication with different sensor systems, and / or wherein the control device has internal sensors, timers or actuators required to implement the configured function. Control device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device comprises at least one receiver or at least one transceiver coupled to the electronic circuit for wireless communication with various external sensor systems. Control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one receiver or the at least one transceiver based on radio (RF), infrared or Bluetooth work, or the at least one receiver or the at least one transceiver based various technologies and transmission protocols, such as free ISM frequency bands, in particular 433 MHz, 886 MHz and / or 2.4 GHz, or KNX, WLAN, 433 MHz, 886 MHz, Z-Wave, and / or ZigBee radio standards. Control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device comprises a plurality of different transmitters or transceivers which operate on the basis of different radio technologies in order to be able to communicate wirelessly with different sensor systems. Control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device is designed as an intermediate socket or as a power strip, which can be connected between a power supply (eg wall socket) and the plug of the electrical device. Control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device can perform various functions based on signals received from an external sensor and depending on the configured operating mode. Control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device is designed to be able to connect a plurality of different types of electrical devices, wherein the control device is designed to can be configured or programmed according to the various connected devices. Control device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device can be configured to connect to an air conditioning or heating system, to which the control device can receive and evaluate signals received from one or more sensors, the Signals are selected from a group comprising signals indicating the position of a window or door handle, temperature values and humidity values, the air conditioning or heating being controlled on the basis of these signals. Control device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device for the purpose of configuration of the control device, for example, at least one microswitch and / or at least one rotary knob and / or at least one pushbutton and / or at least one LED and / or a LED or LCD display. Control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device has a measuring device for measuring the energy consumption of the connected device, wherein the electrical circuit is configured to determine the average consumption and / or the current consumption of the device. Operating device (11) for controlling and / or configuring or
Programming of at least one control device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating device at least one sensor and at least one transmitter or
Has at least one transceiver to communicate wirelessly with the at least one control device. Operating device according to claim 11, characterized in that the operating device is a window or door handle which is designed to generate a signal depending on the position of the window or door handle and / or the position of the window or the door and to send to the control device to enable or disable the control device accordingly. Operating device according to claim 12, characterized in that the window or door handle at least one sensor or electrical contacts to detect the position of the handle and / or the position of the window or the door, at least one electronic circuit connected to the at least a sensor or the contacts is coupled to receive signals from the sensors or electrical contacts, and having a coupled to the circuit transmitter to send depending on the handle position and / or the window position, a corresponding signal to the control device. Operating device according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the operating device has other sensors, such as sensors for detecting indoor / outdoor temperature, humidity and light intensity, sensors for detecting vibrations, such as occur in a break-in, sensors for Recording the approach of a person. Operating device according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the operating device comprises, for example, buttons, a touch screen or a touchpad to program the operating device, and / or that the operating device is configured to be programmed by means of a computer, a smartphone, a tablet PC or other control unit, such as via a USB interface, via Bluetooth, via wireless, via WLAN or other wireless standards, or via internal interfaces , Control system for home and building automation, characterized in that the control system comprises at least one control device according to one of claims 1 to 10 and at least one operating device according to one of claims 11 to 15.

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